Ayuva Ivadha Ava Angkamuthi (My Father’s Country Angkamuthi)

Teho Ropeyarn is an artist and curator from Injinoo, Cape York Peninsula, Queensland. He is descended from the Angkamuthi and Yadhaykana clans from the Injinoo; the Kala Lagaw Ya and Meriam Mer peoples from Badu/Mulgrave Island, Moa/Banks Island and Mer/Murray Island in the Zenadth Kes/Torres Strait Islands; the Woppaburra peoples from Great Keppel Islands; and the Badtjala people from K’gari/Fraser Island.

This work refers to Ropeyarn’s father’s Country, with specific refence made to uwinthyn, the freshwater turtle. The symbols within the work reference wangutpu (white clay) markings that are ceremonially painted on the body for performance of Injinoo stories of the Angkamuthi, Yadhaykana, Atambaya and Gudang clans. The vertical oval elements detailed with design, relates to the Angkamuthi clan's environment, including the land, sea, rivers and creeks and animals.

Artwork documentation for this work states:
“The language spoken is Injinoo Ikya, a dialect of the four main clan groups who are the Angkamuthi (freshwater turtle totem), Yadhaykana (crocodile totem), Atambaya (dingo totem) and Gudang (land goanna totem) tribal clans that make up the Injinoo traditional lands, and together forms the Apudthama nations. This piece is based on my Ivadha (Father's) Country with connection to his tribal clan Angkamuthi and totem being uwinthyn, the freshwater turtle.

The Ankgamuthi clan holds seven yati (rivers) and provided for seven tribes. The symbols in this image relates to wangutpu (white clay) body ceremonial markings and this is painted on us when we participate in the shake-a-leg dance performing Injinoo stories of the four clans: Angkamuthi, Yadhaykana, Atambaya and Gudang.

The long oval spirit stream with detailed designs holds elements of stories or symbolism relating to the Angkamuthi clan's environment including the land, sea, rivers and creeks and animals.”
Teho Ropeyarn, 2023